Gibbs Press Conference @ 2PM EST

Excellent to hear. What did he say in particular about Taylor?

http://skinsfan.us/files/gibbs_5_26.mp3

There's an mp3(~40Mb) of it. It started early and I missed the first part.

Not so much new news, but I thought that this is the best--in terms of spirit--that Gibbs has sounded in a while. He reapeatedly talked about how good the particiaption and the attitude of the players is at the OTAs. He singled out Marcus Washington especially, saying that the guy actually came to the ROOKIE CAMP (!), even though he had no real reason to, just to get down with the players, he came back right away after his surgery, they couldn't keep him off the field, he got cleared for individual work, and Gibbs looked up and saw him in the team drills, etc. This guy is a leader. He's our only pro-bowler, and he's out there leading by example. That is what we need!

He talked a bit more about Taylor--they're of course disapointed that he's not there, but they don't want that to be the focus. Instead focus on the fact that something like 99% of the guys are there at VOLUNTARY work outs. As for Sean, he reiterated that he doesn't think it's really a contract thing, and he'll be real surprised if Sean isn't there for the Minicamp. Also, he stressed that Sean is a great football player, including a great practice guy, and that they have absolutely no desire or thought of trading him (that was in response to a "fishing" question by a reporter).

Also, Gibbs noted that since the coaches already know lots of the players, it's easier to know how to use them this time. He talked about finding out that Ladell Betts was a quality every-down runner and good specials guy (he thought he was more of a 3rd down guy before). THis is the kind of thing that comes with continuity. We really haven't had this. THink about having to re-learn all that stuff EVERY offseason--how good can you possibly be (think about Lavar and the number of coordinators...)?

Anyway, I was psyched that the coach was in good spirits, and that he's feeling positive about the skins. I trust in Gibbs, so if he's happy, I'm happy.

Finally, in typical Gibbs fashion, he noted that we've still gotta translate this vibe into WINS for it to mean anything. Amen to that.

Excellent to hear. What did he say in particular about Taylor?

He said "he's an ignorant sonovabitch and I'm gonna kick his ass when he finally shows up"

Wow! Washington is definitely a core Redskin. Showing up at the rookie camp is above and beyond.

Redskins.com now has that we cut Hall....not john hall, but the new DB from Atlanta.

Looks like RW is coming!

There must be something seriously wrong with Hall. Cut twice by the Falcons, described as have a less than impressive workout for the Cowboys and now gone after 2 days.

Not necessarily. Hall apparently decided to retire from football after trying the OTAs. I read that he was going to retire but his agent kinda talked him into giving it a shot. He has some college coaching gig lined up.

Weird. Oh well..easy come, easy go! That's gotta be one of the shortest tenures on the skins ever! Guess those OTAs are grueling!

I'm sorry but that's kind of funny in a sad way. Big news is he comes in and then he's gone? LOL

Even though I often defend players who are acting selfishly, I want to thump Taylor over the head with a bat. He's such am a-hole. If only he could be a nice guy off the field and an a-hole on the field.

As to Washington, the guy is an absolute stud, leader, playmaker.